The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a fresh and urgent demand to the Federal Government, calling for the immediate suspension of the newly enacted tax laws. The labour union warns that the controversial reforms risk plunging Nigerian workers into deeper economic distress and could trigger widespread confrontation.
Labour Unions Decry Exclusion from Tax Reform Process
In a strong statement delivered in Abuja on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticised the government for drafting and implementing the tax laws without the input of organised labour. The event was the launch of a memoir honouring former NLC President, Hassan Summonu, coinciding with his 85th birthday celebration.
Ajaero emphasised that workers from both the public and private sectors were deliberately excluded from the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, despite being the nation's primary taxpayers. He described the entire legislative process as flawed and the resulting laws as regressive and unfair.
Ajaero Warns of Eroding Public Trust and Democratic Principles
The labour leader argued that the new tax regime imposes additional financial burdens on low-income earners and those already struggling with the high cost of living. He stated that taxing individuals earning the minimum wage cannot be considered a fair or progressive policy.
Ajaero issued a stark warning that persisting with the implementation would seriously undermine public trust in the government and weaken democratic foundations. He characterised the move as "muddling along in confusion and darkness" and a dangerous pattern for the nation's tax administration.
Call for Review and Meaningful Engagement
The NLC President called on the government to halt the process, conduct a comprehensive review of the laws, and ensure the full constitution of the PENCOM Board. He stressed the necessity for genuine and meaningful dialogue with labour unions on all policies affecting workers' welfare.
Reiterating a core demand, Ajaero urged the government to address the issue of workers' wages ahead of the next round of national minimum wage negotiations. He appealed for a shift from policies that agonise the people to those developed in collaboration with them, aiming for economic liberation where national wealth serves the people's welfare.
The NLC's position aligns with growing public concerns and earlier warnings from opposition figures and economic analysts like the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), which cautioned that the reforms might fail without gradual implementation.
This renewed demand sets the stage for potential friction between organised labour and the Federal Government as the new tax laws, which officially took effect on January 1, 2026, begin their implementation phase.
